In my third blog, I talked about one of the funny adjustments I had to make as an international student in the U.S. — learning all the acronyms people use every day. But acronyms aren’t the only surprising part of American culture.

Another thing that caught me off guard was the snack aisle. I expected regular chips, cookies, and candy like we have in Peru, but instead I discovered snacks that are extra sweet, extra sour, extra cheesy, extra spicy… and sometimes extra confusing.

So here’s my honest ranking of American snacks as a Peruvian student — including a few fails.

My First Impressions of American Snacks

Moving to the U.S. taught me many things: how to survive winter, how to pretend I understand football after someone is explaining it to me for the 20th time, and most importantly being able to choose which American snacks to get and which ones not to.

I came here thinking I would find the same things as in my country like regular chips and cookies or candies. BUT NO, apparently everything here is “extra”, extra sweet, extra sour, extra cheesy, extra spicy or extra neon colored lol.

So here it is, my completely unbiased Peruvian opinion on different American snacks. From the ones that kinda cured my homesickness to the ones that make me question if they are like SAFE to eat.

1. Everything flaming hot flavour

Something that we really don’t have in Peru is flaming hot stuff, doritos, cheetos, even potato chips can come in that flavor here and I am gonna be completely honest, I couldn't dislike it more so my rating is definitely -1000/10.

2. Dr. Pepper

This soda definitely changed my life for the better, after missing inka cola for too long when I tried dr pepper I felt like something in me changed.

A new flavour that I had never tasted before and it’s sweet and good. I just love it. This is definitely a 1000000000/10.

3. Reeses or anything with peanut butter

I’m sorry to the peanut butter lovers but I. COULD. NEVERRRRR . Peanut butter is just not my thing. I guess they are edible. 1/10.

4. Gummies

You are going to find every type of gummy that exists in here literally, sour, salty, sweet, any gummies in any flavour. Most of them I really like to be honest.

I would recommend the sour skittle gummies because they are THE BEST. 10/10

And that’s it, my official completely honest review of american snacks. Some of these were a personal offense to my tastebuds but at the end of the day there are so many options that there’s no way you won't find one that you like.

They are definitely different from Peruvian snacks but honestly? Trying new snacks is one of the most fun parts of living here.

_________

Danna Iguchi is an international student from Peru studying at Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, Nevada.